Antariksh Archives

This lecture explores the mechanics of tracking celestial objects with telescopes, emphasizing the impact of Earth's rotation and the complex adjustments required to maintain focus. Using an Altazimuth mount, telescopes like the Gemini (with its 8-meter mirror) face engineering challenges related to weight, stability, and alignment, especially in mountain environments with wind and temperature variations. Additionally, atmospheric turbulence impacts observation quality, causing a phenomenon known as "atmospheric seeing," where turbulent air distorts light, degrading image clarity. Advances in technology continue to improve telescope designs, allowing more precise astronomical observations despite environmental challenges.

On September 16, 2023, the Antariksh Club hosted an engaging talk by Harsh Jalnekar at Vishwakarma Institute, focusing on the "Death of a Star and Introduction to Black Holes." Attendees explored the dramatic endings of stars, including supernovae, hypernovae, and kilonovae, and learned about stellar remnants like white dwarfs and neutron stars. The presentation also delved into black holes, active galactic nuclei, and quasars, illustrating their cosmic significance. A lively Q&A session addressed topics like star naming conventions and the differences between pulsars and magnetars, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation of the universe's mysteries.

On July 21, 2023, the Antariksh Club at Vishwakarma Institutes hosted an invited talk by former ISRO Group Director Mr. Suresh Naik at VIT, Pune. The event, part of the Faculty Development Programme, attracted over 300 attendees, including faculty and students. Mr. Naik's engaging lecture covered rocket design, Chandrayaan missions, and the discovery of water on the Moon. The interactive session allowed attendees to ask questions about India's space journey and future policies. The successful event highlighted the club's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and appreciation for space exploration.

The Antariksh Club successfully hosted a live streaming event of the Chandrayaan-3 launch at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology on July 15, 2023. Over 60 students gathered to celebrate India's achievements in space exploration, creating an electric atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and national pride. The event emphasized teamwork, dedication, and the invaluable support of mentors, including Prof. Dr. Shripad Bhatlawande, Jameer Manur, and Dr. Shital Raut. The Antariksh Club aims to ignite curiosity in astronomy and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.

From April 11-13, 2023, a select group of participants, including members of the Antariksh Club, attended the Horn Antenna Workshop organized by IUCAA. The event, part of a Faculty Development Programme, was attended by over 30 professors from across India, who came together to explore the cutting-edge fields of radio astronomy, particularly focusing on the 21cm H-Line Spectrum and the construction of Horn Antennas. The workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into advanced topics and gain practical skills in radio astronomy and antenna technology.

On March 30, 2023, the Antariksh Astronomy Club hosted a remarkable star gazing event at the picturesque foothills of Rajgad Fort, near Pune. This event, led by Jameer Manur Sir, aimed to connect participants with the cosmos and foster a deeper understanding of astronomy. The evening offered not only a chance to observe celestial bodies but also an opportunity to engage in various fun and enriching activities.